Supporting arrangement for use in a game amusement device such as a simulated bowling alley



A ril 28, 1970 F. T. MURPHY 3,508,749

SUPPORTING ARRANGEMENT FOR USE IN A GAME AMUSEMENT DEVICE SUCH AS A SIMULATED BOWLING ALLEY Filed. Aug. 1, 1966 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Apnl 28, 1970 F. T. MURPHY 3,508,749

SUPPORTING ARRANGEMENT FOR USE IN A GAME AMUSEMENT DEVICE SUCH AS A SIMULATED BOWLING ALLEY Filed Aug. 1. 1966 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 April 28, 1970 F. T. MURPHY SUPPORTING ARRANGEMENT FOR USE IN A GAME AMUSEMENT DEVICE SUCH AS A SIMULATED BOWLING ALLEY 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Aug.

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United States Patent 3 508,749 SUPPORTING ARRA NGEMENT FOR USE IN A GAME AMUSEMENT DEVICE SUCH AS A SIMULATED BOWLING ALLEY Francis T. Murphy, Chicago, 111., assignor to Williams Electronics, Inc., Chicago, 111., a corporation of Delaware Filed Aug. 1, 1966, Ser. No. 569,274 Int. Cl. A63d 5/00 U.S. Cl. 273-41 7 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An arrangement is disclosed for causing a simulated bowling pin in a simulated bowling game to be raised to a horizontal position in response to either closure of a switch by a simulated bowling ball or by the simulated bowling ball striking the simulated bowling pin. Closure of the switch results in energization of a solenoid to release a spring-biased member to thereby raise the simulated bowling pin. To achieve raising of the simulated bowling pin when the pin is struck by the simulated bowling ball, a mechanical linkage mechanically actuates the armature of the solenoid to release the spring-biased member.

This invention generally relates to an arrangement for supporting a movable member (such as a simulated bowling pin) in a game amusement device, and more particularly this invention relates to a simulated bowling pin supporting arrangement which may be actuated either electrically or mechanically.

The use of automatically retractable members is frequently encountered in modern game amusement devices. As a specific example, amusement devices simulating the game of bowling on a miniature scale have gained widespread public approval. These devices usually comprise a series of simulated bowling pins each mounted on a supporting mechanism which is adapted to move the pin from a venical position to a horizontal position and vice versa. A simulated bowling ball, generally either a cylindrical disc commonly known as a puck or a small spheroidal ball, is slid or rolled at the simulated pins, which are normally disposed in a vertical position. Switch actuating means are located in the path that the simulated bowling ball will take if the player has accurately propelled it. When the simulated bowling ball contacts the switch actuating means, an electromagnetic device is energized to cause the supporting mechanism to move the bowling pin from its normal vertical position to a horizontal position. An arrangement is provided for automatically indicating the pins that the player has knocked down and the score to which this entitles him.

While these devices perform fairly well, there are some instances in which the simulated bowling ball will not trip a switch even though the ball passes over the actuating means for the switch. This may result in the simulated bowling ball striking the simulated bowling pin and damaging the pin. It is important to overcome this problem, since damaged pins have to be replaced, resulting in time loss and monetary loss, and since frequent stopping because of damaged pins will lead to customer dissatisfaction.

Prior art approaches directed to this problem have involved arrangements in which striking of the simulated bowling pin by a simulated bowling ball causes an electrical switch to be closed to actuate the simulated bowling pin supporting arrangement and thus to move the pin to a horizontal position. However, these devices have also involved many disadvantages. For one thing, the use of an electrical switch to actuate the supporting arrangement when a simulated bowling ball strikes a simulated bowling pin involves a relatively slow operation. Another disadvantage is that these arrangements have been bulky and difficult to manufacture because they require critical dimensional adjustments. Also, expendable parts, such as the simulated bowling pin, are diificult to reach in order to change the part, and the units are generally incapable of being adjusted for wear or changes in the operating conditions.

To obviate these difliculties of the prior art, the present invention was evolved. Briefly, in the preferred embodiment described herein, the invention involves a simulated bowling pin supporting arrangement which can be electrically actuated by a simulated bowling ball passing over a switch actuating mechanism, and which can also be actuated through a mechanical linkage when the simulated bowling ball strikes a simulated bowling pin. The mechanical linkage includes the same element as does the electrical actuating arrangement, so that no undue repetition of parts results.

More specifically, the simulated bowling pin is securely fastened to an elbow-shaped mounting plate. The mounting plate is pivotally connected to a spring-biased pivoted arm member. A detent member engages and normally holds the pivoted arm member in a position which places the simulated bowling pin in a vertical position. A solenoid having a movable core (control means) is located adjacent the detent member, and the movable core is connected to the detent member. A pivoted lever is also located adjacent the detent member and is connected to the elbow-shaped mounting plate through a rigid rod (link member). The rigid rod is pivotally connected to both the pivoted lever and the mounting plate. The pivoted lever is also operatively associated with the movable core of the solenoid. When a simulated bowling ball passes over a switch actuating mechanism, the solenoid is energized and the movable core is moved, which causes the detent member to rotate out of engagement with the pivoted arm member. This disengagement of the detent member permits the pivoted arm member to rotate under the force of a bias spring, so that the mounting plate is rotated to move the simulated bowling pin to a horizontal position. However, if the switch is not actuated, the simulated bowling ball strikes the simulated bowling pin. The impact between the ball and pin causes the mounting plate to rotate about its connection to the pivoted arm member. This rotary motion of the mounting plate exerts a force against the pivoted lever, through the rigid rod, to rotate the pivoted lever away from its normal nest position. As the pivoted lever is rotated it engages the movable core of the solenoid and moves it. Movement of the core causes the detent member to disengage the pivoted arm member to permit the arm member to rotate and raise the simulated bowling pin to a horizontal position. Thus, the simulated bowling pin is moved from its vertical (standing) position to its horizontal (knocked down) position by a simulated bowling ball engaging either the switch actuating mechanism or the simulated bowling pin itself.

Accordingly, a primary object of this invention is to provide a supporting arrangement for a movable member wherein the supporting arrangement moves the member from one position to another in a relatively short time.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a movable member supporting arrangement in a game amusement device which is easier to build due to a lack of critical dimension requirements.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a movable member supporting arrangement in which expendable parts may be easily changed, and adjustments may be made for wear and changing conditions of use.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a simulated bowling pin supporting arrangement in which the pin can be moved to a horizontal position by electrical actuating means, and in which striking of the pin 'by a simulated bowling ball produces a mechanical actuation utilizing the same basic actuating mechanism used for electrical actuation.

These and other objects, advantages, and features of the subject invention will hereinafter appear, and, for purposes of illustration, but not of limitation, an exemplary embodiment of the subject invention is shown in the appended drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a fragmentary front view of the arrangement of the present invention partially broken away to reveal internal components;

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary back view of the device illustrated in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary side view of the device illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2;

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged partially sectional view taken along line 55 of FIGURE 2; and

FIGURE 6 is a schematic top view of a simulated bowling game in which the present invention may be utilized.

With reference to the front view of FIGURE 1, a simulated bowling pin 11 is shown. Simulated bowling pin 11 is securely fastened to an elbow-shaped mounting plate 13 at point 15. Mounting plate 13 is pivotally connected to a pivoted arm member 17 by a pivot and mounting arrangement 19. Pivoted arm member 17 comprises a semi-circular portion 21 and an arm 23; and pivoted arm member 17 is pivotally mounted by a pivot and mounting arrangement 25 located in semi-circular portion 21. Pivot and mounting arrangement 19 is located at the end of arm 23 of pivoted arm member 17.

Mounting plate 13 is elbow-shaped with pivot and mounting arrangement 19 located in a larger portion 27 of the mounting plate. A smaller portion 29 of elbowshaped mounting plate 13 contains a pivoted connection 31 between mounting plate 13 and a rigid rod 33. Rigid rod 33 is pivotally connected at a point 35 to a pivoted lever 37. Pivoted lever 37 is normally biased against a stop 39.

Located adjacent pivoted lever 37 is an electromagnetic solenoid 41. Electromagnetic solenoid 41 has a movable core 45 which is connected to a detent member 43 by a pin 46. Detent member 43 is normally biased into contact with pivoted arm member 17 by a biasing spring 47, which has one end 49 connected to a projection 51 on detent member 43 and its other end 53 fastened to a portion of housing 55 for the simulated bowling pin supporting arrangement. In this position a shoulder 57 on detent member 43 abuts a shoulder 59 on pivoted arm member 17, and pivoted arm member 17 is maintained in a position such that simulated bowling pin 11 is maintained in its normal vertical (standing) position. Rotary movement of detent member 43 occurs about a pivot and mounting arrangement 61.

A switch structure 63 is mounted on housing 55 of the simulated bowling pin support arrangement. Switch structure 63 comprises a pair of conducting leaves or contacts 65 and 67. In the normal position, that in which detent member 43 engages pivoted arm member 17, a projection 69 on pivoted arm member 17 engages contact 65 and separates contacts 65 and 67. However, when detent member 43 is disengaged from pivoted arm mem ber 17, the rotary motion of pivoted arm member 17 displaces projection 69 and contacts 65 and 67 abut. When contacts 65 and 67 are in abutting relationship an electrical circuit is closed to register a score or otherwise indicate that the simulated bowling pin 11 has been knocked down.

With reference now to the back view of FIGURE 2, it may be seen that pivoted arm member 17 is biased by a spring 71. Bias spring 71 extends from a mounting projection 73 on pivoted arm member 17 to a protrusion 75 located on housing 55 of the simulated bowling pin support arrangement. Biasing spring 71 biases the pivoted arm member 17 in a clockwise direction in the FIGURE 2 orientation and in a counterclockwise direction in the FIGURE 1 orientation.

Details of the construction of pivoted lever 37 may also be seen in the FIGURE 2 view. Pivoted lever 37 has a main body portion 77 and a neck portion 79. The end of neck portion 79 abuts against stop 39, which is illustrated as an adjustable bolt. Pivoted lever 37 is pivotally mounted on a pivot and mounting arrangement 81. The end of neck portion 79 of pivoted lever 37 is biased against stop 39 by a spring 83. Spring 83 extends from a screw 85 on pivoted lever 37 to a mounting projection 87 on housing 55.

A reset lever 89 is provided to return pivoted arm member 17 to the position in which the simulated bowling pin 11 is in a vertical position. Reset lever 89 comprises a straight body portion 91 and an adjustable projecting member 93. The adjustable projecting member 93 is a bolt situated in an appropriately threaded opening. Projecting member 93 engages a reset portion 95 on pivoted arm member 17. Reset lever 89 is pivotally mounted on the same pivot and mounting arrangement 25 that supports pivoted arm member 17.

In FIGURE 3 the movable core 45 of solenoid 41 is visible. Movable core 45 is operatively engaged by a projection 99 located on pivoted lever 37. In addition to these features, FIGURE 3 further illustrates the interrelationship of the various elements of the subject device.

The top view of FIGURE 4 and the partially sectional view of FIGURE 5 further illustrate the specific embodiment of the subject invention described herein. In FIG- URE 5 the windings 101 of solenoid 41 are shown in sectional form.

In the schematic top view of FIGURE 6, there is illustrated a table (alley) 103 to be utilized in a simulated bowling game. A plurality of simulated bowling pins 11 are located at one end of table 103. A plurality of conventional switch actuating mechanisms 105 are illustrated in the central portion of table 103. There is a switch actuating mechanism 105 for each of the simulated bowling pins 11 in the arrangement disclosed in FIGURE 6. Of course, additional switch actuating mechanisms 105 could be added to simulate strikes, various forms of pin action, etc. However, for purposes of this description the arrangement as shown is sufficient.

A simulated bowling ball 107 is shown progressing toward pins 11 along alley 103. Simulated bowling ball 107 may be either a cylindrical disc which is slid along alley 103, or a spheroidal ball which is rolled along the alley. As simulated bowling ball 107 passes over a switch actuating mechanism 105, a switch is closed in a conventional energization circuit for solenoid 41.

The operation of the preferred embodiment of the simulated bowling pin support arrangement disclosed herein may be defined by reference to the drawings here in before described. When a simulated bowling ball 107 passes over a switch actuating mechanism 105 as it approaches the simulated bowling pin 11, an electrical circuit for solenoid 41 will be closed and the solenoid will be energized. Energization of solenoid 41 will cause the mov able core 45 to move to the right in the FIGURE 1 orientation. As core 45 is moved to the right in FIGURE 1, it will pivot detent member 43 against the force of spring 47. Rotation of detent member 43 will release pivoted arm member 17 so that it will rotate in a counterclockwise direction (in the FIGURE 1 orientation) under the force of bias spring 71. As pivoted arm member 17 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction in FIGURE 1, the elbow;shaped mounting plate 13 will be rotated in a clockwise direction about pivot and mounting arrangement 19, due to a force provided through rigid rod 33 when arm member 17 is rotated. Continued rotation of mounting plate 13 will eventually place simulated bowling pin 11 in a horizontal (knocked down) position, as shown in dotted lines in FIGURE 1. At the same time, switch arrangement 63 will be closed to provide an automatic indication that the person playing the game is given credit for having knocked down this particular pm.

On the other hand, if switch actuating mechanism 105 does not actuate the switch as simulated bowling ball 107 passes over it, the simulated bowling ball 107 will strike the simulated bowling pin 11. As simulated bowling ball 107 strikes simulated bowling pin 11, it causes simulated bowling pin 11 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction in the FIGURE 1 orientation (the simulated bowling ball would approach from the right). This type of rotation is achieved by a rotary motion of mounting plate 13 about pivot 19. As mounting plate 13 rotates in a clockwise direction, the pivoted lever 37 is pulled downward through rigid rod 33 against the force of spring 83. Rotation of pivoted lever 37 causes projection 99 to bear against movable core 45 and thus move core 45 to the right (in the FIGURE 1 orientation). As movable core 45 is moved to the right (in the FIGURE 1 orientation), detent member 43 is rotated to release pivoted arrn member 17 and the simulated bowling pin 11 is raised to the horizontal (knocked down) position illustrated by dotted lines in FIGURE 1.

After a particular game is finished, reset lever 89 would be actuated to move the simulated bowling pin 11 from the horizontal position to the vertical position. This actuation of reset lever 89- would occur simultaneously for each simulated bowling pin utilized in the game, so that all of the pins would be placed in the vertical position in preparation for a new game.

It should be understood that the embodiment described is merely exemplary of the preferred practices of the present invention and that various changes, modifications, and variations may be made in the details of construction, arrangements, and operations of the elements disclosed herein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A supporting arrangement for a movable member, which is subject to being struck by a moving object, comprising:

an arm member, said arm member being pivotally mounted in a housing;

mounting means arranged to station said movable member in either of two discrete positions;

means pivotaly connecting said means to said arm member;

retaining means normally maintaining said arm member in a position corresponding to a first one of said discrete positions of said movable member;

biasing means tending to drive said arm member to a position corresponding to a second one of said discrete positions of said movable member;

a lever pivotally mounted in said housing;

a link member pivotally secured at one end to said mounting means and pivotally connected at its other end to said pivoted lever; and

control means operatively associated with said pivoted lever and connected to said retaining means and adapted to disengage said retaining means when operated by said pivoted lever,

whereby the striking of the movable member by a moving object will actuate said retaining means through 6 said mechanical linkage means to release said arm member for movement in response to said biasing means, thereby to move said movable member from said first discrete position to said second discrete position.

2. An arrangement as claimed in claim 1 and further comprising switch actuating means responsive to the moving object to energize an electrical actuating means adapted to actuate said control means,

whereby said control means may be actuated either by said mechanical linkage or by said electrical actuating means to cause the movable member to be moved from said first discrete position to said second discrete position by appropriate positioning of said arm member.

3. An arrangement as claimed in claim 2 wherein:

said electrical actuating means comprises a solenoid;

and

said control means comprises a movable core of said solenoid.

4. A supporting arrangement for a movable member, which is subject to being struck by a moving object, comprising:

an arm member, said arm member being pivotally mounted in a housing;

mounting means arranged to station said movable member in either of two discrete positions;

means pivotally connecting said mounting means to said arm member;

retaining means normally maintaining said arm member in a position corresponding to a first one of said discrete positions of said movable member; biasing means tending to drive said arm member to a position corresponding to a second one of said discrete positions of said movable member; and

mechanical linkage means interconnecting said mounting means and said retaining means, said mechanical linkage means comprising control means connected to said retaining means and adapted to disengage said retaining means from said arm member, said control means being adapted for either electrical actuation or mechanical actuation,

whereby the striking of the movable member by a moving object will actuate said retaining means through said mechanical linkage means, and whereby the production of an electrical signal will actuate said retaining means through said control means, to release said arm member for movement in response to said biasing means, thereby to move said movable member from said first discrete position to said secon discrete position.

5. An arrangement as claimed in claim 4 and further comprising:

electrical actuating means adapted to actuate said control means; and

switch actuating means activated by the moving ob ject to energize said electrical actuating means.

6. A supporting arrangement for a movable member 60 comprising:

a mounting mechanism for the movable member, said mounting mechanism normally maintained in a position corresponding to a first discrete position of the movable member;

control means adapted to initiate movement of said mounting mechanism from said normally maintained position to a position corresponding to a second discrete position of the movable member;

mechanical actuating means interconnecting said mounting mechanism and said control means and responsive to a movable object for mechanically actuating said control means;

switch actuating means activated by the movable object; and

7 8 electrical actuating means energized upon activation References Cited 32153:; asliitgitch actuating means to actuate said con- UNITED STATES PATENTS whereby the movable member may be moved to said 2,680,244 6/1954 'f et X second discrete position by mechanical actuation of 5 2,829,893 4/1958 K061 273' 41 said control means if the movable object strikes the 2,940,756 6/1960 Rosenberg 273-41 3,063,715 11/1962 Hooker et al. 273-41 movable member and by electrical actuation of said control means if the movable object activates said Switch actuating means. ANTON O. OECHSLE, Primary Examlner 7. An arrangement as claimed in claim 6 wherein: the 10 M. R. PAGE, Assistant Examiner movable member is a simulated bowling pin; and the movable object is a simulated bowling ball. 

